Canned Food Recipes

Play Ball Rice Bites

Prepare these cheesy-crispy-crunchy rice balls packed with
nutrient-rich canned vegetables and dipped in a fruit sauce with a
savory kick. The bites can be conveniently made ahead of time and
served warm or at room temperature for the perfect family snack or
finger-food side dish.

Recipe by Canned Food Alliance

Cook Time

10 minutes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Servings

6

Tags

nut free, appetizer

Ingredients

For the dip:

2 cans (4 ounces each) mixed fruit in juice, half drained

1/4 cup canned tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the rice balls:

1 can (8.25 ounces) no-salt added mixed vegetables, drained

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown), warm

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Salt and ground pepper to taste

3/4 cup finely crushed crisp rice cereal

Non-stick spray oil for baking, or vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

For the dips:

Purée the mixed fruit, tomato paste and vinegar in a blender or food processor; set aside.

For the rice balls:

Purée the mixed vegetables, egg, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a blender or food processor.

Mix with rice, cheese, salt and pepper until completely combined.

Preheat oven to 375°F, or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.

Scoop tablespoon-size balls of the rice mixture and gently form into balls, rolling them in the crushed rice cereal to coat.

line a rimmed cookie sheet with foil and coat with spray oil.

Place balls on the sheet and spray with more oil.

Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Cool for 3 minutes.

fry in the deep fryer in small batches until crisp and brown, about 1 minute per batch.